We are honored to present these awards to such extraordinary individuals and organizations who embody the WTS mission and values - they represent the best and brightest in transportation innovation, effectiveness and leadership in our region. 

• Woman of the Year: Monique Allen

Monique is the co-founder and President of ACMS NW, a woman and minority-owned civil engineering firm focused on construction management and inspection services.  Over the past decade, she has grown their firm to nearly 50 people, with 65% being women and people of color.

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Last year, Monique contributed directly to some of Portland’s largest transportation projects. She is leading the inspection services and providing equitable engagement support on ODOT’s I-205 Abernethy Bridge Project. She also supported TriMet’s Better Red Project providing inspection services and executive administration and document support and the City of Portland’s ADA Program providing inspection services.

Monique is also an active WTS member, participating in the Portland and Florida chapters over the years. In 2019, Monique became the our Chapter’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Co-Chair, where she is responsible for promoting the participation and interests of minorities and the local community related to the transportation industry.  She has helped advance how the Portland Chapter provides inclusive and welcoming environments and programs. 

In the predominantly male-dominated field of construction, where women represent only around 10% of the workforce, the presence of women leading construction management is uncommon. Monique's remarkable achievements, in addition to her extensive contributions and recognitions, establish her as a trailblazer and a was the most deserving candidate for Woman of the Year 2023.

• Member of the Year: Atousa Gorg

Atousa Gorg, P.E. (she/her) is a Resident Engineer for consultant projects in ODOT's Urban Mobility Office. Gorg has more than a decade experience in project management and design of the complex structural and major transportation projects in the US and overseas. She initially joined ODOT as part of the competitive Graduate Engineering Program in 2017. In her time at ODOT, Gorg's project management portfolio includes the Engineering Delivery of Interstate Bridge Replacement, I-5 Rose Quarter,  I-205 Toll Project and Regional Mobility Pricing Project—ODOT's toll projects that are now paused due to direction from the Governor—as well as the preliminary planning phase for the I-5 Boone Bridge Replacement within the Portland metro area. 

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Gorg has a Master's of Civil and Environmental Engineering from Portland State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Oregon. She is a multilingual Civil Engineer who immigrated to the US from the Middle East approximately 9 years ago to practice her core values of freedom and equity. She serves as a board member, volunteer, and/or ambassador with several international and local nonprofit organizations, including WTS Portland which focuses on promoting the advancement of women in the transportation industry. Gorg is a past recipient of the International Leadership Award for leading the Community Action Project. 

Atousa is steadfast in her support of WTS; she is a one-woman welcoming committee.  She brings her unique perspective to encourage WTS membership to all and help make WTS even more welcoming to a more diverse membership. Because of her intentional efforts as LEAD/LEAP committee chair, the number of women of color who apply for and are accepted into the programs the LEAP and LEAD programs have increased year to year. We are so thankful to have Atousa as a leader at the Portland Chapter!

• Rosa Parks Diversity: Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee (EMAC), Oregon Toll Program

  The Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award winner promotes diversity, inclusion and multi-cultural awareness within their organization, within the Transportation industry or within a project or activity that supports the goals and mission of WTS.  The efforts and initiatives of the winner facilitate professional opportunities for women and minorities.  2023 winner was the Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee (EMAC), ODOT Toll Program.

   Since May 2020, the Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee (EMAC) has guided the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) and ODOT to balance technical requirements with community needs, including affordability, neighborhood health & safety, and transit and multimodal travel. EMAC members have brought lived and professional perspectives to transform transportation planning by prioritizing process and outcome equity.  The committee’s work has deepened ODOT’s community relationships and is seen as a national model for relying on authentic and challenging conversations to produce value-based programs and projects.

• Employer of the Year: WSP
• Innovative Transportation Solutions: TriMet’s Regional Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan